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Harry Bosch #26
The Hollow
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26Retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch delves into the darkest chapter of his past in the new thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly.
When Harry Bosch was eleven years old, his mother was murdered and he became a ward of the state, housed in MacLaren Children’s Center, a notorious facility where abuse was rampant. Decades after its closure, a massive class action lawsuit has resulted in a multibillion-dollar settlement for former residents. But when Bosch’s half-brother, defense attorney Mickey Haller, brings him word that Harry is entitled to $400,000, Bosch says he doesn’t want the money. He wants justice.
News of the settlement awakens his memories of a place he had hoped never to revisit, and a boy named Chops, a fellow inmate who wound up dead. Chops’s body was found in a hidden space under a staircase that the staff used to discipline their charges. The kids knew it only as “the hollow.” But Chops’s death was covered up and never solved. Now Bosch knows he must reopen the investigation and learn the truth, even if the killer is long dead.
As Bosch digs into the files, he picks up the trail of a predator who not only survived, but went on to a life of vicious crime. Forced to face a history that both scarred him and launched him on his mission as a cop, Bosch must bring down a sadistic criminal and finally put to rest the demons of his past.
When Harry Bosch was eleven years old, his mother was murdered and he became a ward of the state, housed in MacLaren Children’s Center, a notorious facility where abuse was rampant. Decades after its closure, a massive class action lawsuit has resulted in a multibillion-dollar settlement for former residents. But when Bosch’s half-brother, defense attorney Mickey Haller, brings him word that Harry is entitled to $400,000, Bosch says he doesn’t want the money. He wants justice.
News of the settlement awakens his memories of a place he had hoped never to revisit, and a boy named Chops, a fellow inmate who wound up dead. Chops’s body was found in a hidden space under a staircase that the staff used to discipline their charges. The kids knew it only as “the hollow.” But Chops’s death was covered up and never solved. Now Bosch knows he must reopen the investigation and learn the truth, even if the killer is long dead.
As Bosch digs into the files, he picks up the trail of a predator who not only survived, but went on to a life of vicious crime. Forced to face a history that both scarred him and launched him on his mission as a cop, Bosch must bring down a sadistic criminal and finally put to rest the demons of his past.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
About the author
Michael Connelly
573 books36.9k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
Michael Connelly decided to become a writer after discovering the books of Raymond Chandler while attending the University of Florida. Once he decided on this direction he chose a major in journalism and a minor in creative writing — a curriculum in which one of his teachers was novelist Harry Crews.
After graduating in 1980, Connelly worked at newspapers in Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily specializing in the crime beat. In Fort Lauderdale he wrote about police and crime during the height of the murder and violence wave that rolled over South Florida during the so-called cocaine wars. In 1986, he and two other reporters spent several months interviewing survivors of a major airline crash. They wrote a magazine story on the crash and the survivors which was later short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing. The magazine story also moved Connelly into the upper levels of journalism, landing him a job as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, one of the largest papers in the country, and bringing him to the city of which his literary hero, Chandler, had written.
After three years on the crime beat in L.A., Connelly began writing his first novel to feature LAPD Detective Hieronymus Bosch. The novel, The Black Echo, based in part on a true crime that had occurred in Los Angeles, was published in 1992 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America. Connelly has followed that up with over 30 more novels.
Over eighty million copies of Connelly’s books have sold worldwide and he has been translated into forty-five foreign languages. He has won the Edgar Award, Anthony Award, Macavity Award, Los Angeles Times Best Mystery/Thriller Award, Shamus Award, Dilys Award, Nero Award, Barry Award, Audie Award, Ridley Award, Maltese Falcon Award (Japan), .38 Caliber Award (France), Grand Prix Award (France), Premio Bancarella Award (Italy), and the Pepe Carvalho award (Spain) .
Michael was the President of the Mystery Writers of America organization in 2003 and 2004. In addition to his literary work, Michael is one of the producers and writers of the TV show, “Bosch,” which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Michael lives with his family in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars, rounded up
The Hollow, the 26th Harry Bosch book, takes Harry back to his time as a juvenile in the MacLaren Children’s Center. Between ages 11 and 16, Harry was a ward of the state in a place more prison than care facility. Now, the state has settled with those that were harmed during their time there. The settlement brings back memories of a friend who didn’t make it out alive, which leads Harry on a quest to find out who was behind the unsolved murder. Now in his 70s, he’s long retired, but with help from Mickey Haller and Renee Ballard, he’s able to access what information there is. His investigation puts him in the crosshairs of both a mobster and the FBI. In a neat twist, Connelly uses real life events. The Wonderland Murders really happened and still remain unsolved. And there really was a settlement for the abuses tied to the MacLaren Children’s Center.
As with all these books, the story moves quickly. The book moves across the decades. Connelly’s writing style is crisp and concise with easy to envision scenes. It’s easy to see why so many of Connelly’s books have been turned into tv series.
I appreciated learning more about Harry’s early days. It gave additional depth to his character.
My thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy of this book.
The Hollow, the 26th Harry Bosch book, takes Harry back to his time as a juvenile in the MacLaren Children’s Center. Between ages 11 and 16, Harry was a ward of the state in a place more prison than care facility. Now, the state has settled with those that were harmed during their time there. The settlement brings back memories of a friend who didn’t make it out alive, which leads Harry on a quest to find out who was behind the unsolved murder. Now in his 70s, he’s long retired, but with help from Mickey Haller and Renee Ballard, he’s able to access what information there is. His investigation puts him in the crosshairs of both a mobster and the FBI. In a neat twist, Connelly uses real life events. The Wonderland Murders really happened and still remain unsolved. And there really was a settlement for the abuses tied to the MacLaren Children’s Center.
As with all these books, the story moves quickly. The book moves across the decades. Connelly’s writing style is crisp and concise with easy to envision scenes. It’s easy to see why so many of Connelly’s books have been turned into tv series.
I appreciated learning more about Harry’s early days. It gave additional depth to his character.
My thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy of this book.
August 24, 2026
The Hollow (Harry Bosch) Book 26
“Everybody counts, or nobody counts”
Harry Bosch makes a triumphant return in The Hollow, a gripping crime mystery thriller by Michael Connelly. It is an outstanding book. I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Expected publication date: November 5, 2026
Over sixty years ago, Harry Bosch spent part of his childhood at the notorious McLaren Hall, a children’s home. His childhood friend Charlie Lamb “Chops” was murdered, and the case was never solved. Bosch is resolute in uncovering the truth and getting justice. His investigation pulls him into an active FBI task force case, an organization with which he has a complex history, and Bosch must navigate a politically charged investigation.
This is another exceptional installment in the Harry Bosch universe, and unlike recent installments, the spotlight firmly shines on Harry this time. Cameos from Renée Ballard and Mickey Haller appear, but this is unmistakably a Bosch story. As a long-time fan of the series, I was on the edge of my seat, thrilled and found it impossible to put down, staying up until 2:00 am to finish reading.
Watching Bosch navigate the case without the full perks of having his badge, and watching how our hero, now 74, copes with getting older- especially after the knee surgery that slows him down a bit- however, his mind is sharp as ever. It remains as acerbic and fierce as ever.
I found the dual-timeline structure engaging. As a longtime fan, I found it incredibly satisfying to explore his turbulent teenage years in greater depth. I also appreciate how Connelly masterfully interweaves true events with fictional details, creating compelling, nuanced storytelling.
The crossover elements with other Michael Connelly characters add extra layers of interest. Mickey Haller makes a brief appearance, and Renée Ballard features prominently throughout much of the story.
The characters, both familiar and new, are vividly realized, and even long-standing characters add depth to the narrative.
Michael Connelly's mastery in plotting and writing shines brightly. His stories resemble intricate jigsaw puzzles: seemingly random pieces that, through connection, form a complete and satisfying picture. For readers, this meticulous process culminates in a compelling and satisfying resolution.
Many thanks to Orion Publishing Group for providing a digital advance reader’s copy via NetGalley; all opinions expressed are solely my own.
“Everybody counts, or nobody counts”
Harry Bosch makes a triumphant return in The Hollow, a gripping crime mystery thriller by Michael Connelly. It is an outstanding book. I wholeheartedly recommend this book! Expected publication date: November 5, 2026
Over sixty years ago, Harry Bosch spent part of his childhood at the notorious McLaren Hall, a children’s home. His childhood friend Charlie Lamb “Chops” was murdered, and the case was never solved. Bosch is resolute in uncovering the truth and getting justice. His investigation pulls him into an active FBI task force case, an organization with which he has a complex history, and Bosch must navigate a politically charged investigation.
This is another exceptional installment in the Harry Bosch universe, and unlike recent installments, the spotlight firmly shines on Harry this time. Cameos from Renée Ballard and Mickey Haller appear, but this is unmistakably a Bosch story. As a long-time fan of the series, I was on the edge of my seat, thrilled and found it impossible to put down, staying up until 2:00 am to finish reading.
Watching Bosch navigate the case without the full perks of having his badge, and watching how our hero, now 74, copes with getting older- especially after the knee surgery that slows him down a bit- however, his mind is sharp as ever. It remains as acerbic and fierce as ever.
I found the dual-timeline structure engaging. As a longtime fan, I found it incredibly satisfying to explore his turbulent teenage years in greater depth. I also appreciate how Connelly masterfully interweaves true events with fictional details, creating compelling, nuanced storytelling.
The crossover elements with other Michael Connelly characters add extra layers of interest. Mickey Haller makes a brief appearance, and Renée Ballard features prominently throughout much of the story.
The characters, both familiar and new, are vividly realized, and even long-standing characters add depth to the narrative.
Michael Connelly's mastery in plotting and writing shines brightly. His stories resemble intricate jigsaw puzzles: seemingly random pieces that, through connection, form a complete and satisfying picture. For readers, this meticulous process culminates in a compelling and satisfying resolution.
Many thanks to Orion Publishing Group for providing a digital advance reader’s copy via NetGalley; all opinions expressed are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
C'mon now.
Harry Bosch is back. All the stars are aligned in the Universe.
Don't let your eyes glaze over when you see #26 behind this title. (Believe me, I haven't read a ton of the first ones either. But I'm more than onboard now.)
Michael Connelly is a master at what he does. He's renowned for being a top-notch author for good reason. His Harry Bosch character has taken a hiatus for some time. You've probably watched the Harry Bosch Series on Amazon Prime. If you haven't, it's a must do. But The Hollow is Harry in full force once again. He's back, Baby.
Harry Bosch is a retired LAPD cop. Harry still takes cases here and there for his expertise. He's recently had a knee replacement at 75. Harry gets a call from his half-brother, Mickey Halley. Yup, the famous Lincoln Lawyer dude. He's informed Harry that there's been a settlement in a class action suit against MacLauren Children's Center where Harry was housed in his youth. Harry doesn't want money. He wants justice.
Harry's mother was murdered when Harry was a teenager. He was sent to live at the MacLauren Children's Center. The conditions were horrendous and abuse was rampant. Harry ran away on several occasions. But he still remembers the death of his best friend there. Charles "Chops" Lamb's body was found in the gym under suspicious circumstances. Offenders of the rules were sent to confinement under the stairs known as The Hollow. It was worse than solitary.
Harry is determined to re-open this cold case and enlists the help of Renee Ballard of the LAPD. (Read the Renee Ballard books. They're great.) But Harry's investigation opens the door on a new kettle of fish being investigated by the FBI. Harry has been warned. But Harry being Harry does his own thing. Smart, analytical, and crafty, Harry has still got it.
The Hollow can definitely be read as a standalone. Connelly fills in all the backstories nicely and you're off and running with this electrically charged storyline. Connelly showcases the bottom feeders of life, but he also shines a light on the efforts of those who are seeking justice and fairness in this world. That can be a dire undertaking these days. We should all have Harry Bosch standing on the sidelines with Hope lined in his pockets.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Little, Brown and Company and to the talented Michael Connelly for the opportunity.
Harry Bosch is back. All the stars are aligned in the Universe.
Don't let your eyes glaze over when you see #26 behind this title. (Believe me, I haven't read a ton of the first ones either. But I'm more than onboard now.)
Michael Connelly is a master at what he does. He's renowned for being a top-notch author for good reason. His Harry Bosch character has taken a hiatus for some time. You've probably watched the Harry Bosch Series on Amazon Prime. If you haven't, it's a must do. But The Hollow is Harry in full force once again. He's back, Baby.
Harry Bosch is a retired LAPD cop. Harry still takes cases here and there for his expertise. He's recently had a knee replacement at 75. Harry gets a call from his half-brother, Mickey Halley. Yup, the famous Lincoln Lawyer dude. He's informed Harry that there's been a settlement in a class action suit against MacLauren Children's Center where Harry was housed in his youth. Harry doesn't want money. He wants justice.
Harry's mother was murdered when Harry was a teenager. He was sent to live at the MacLauren Children's Center. The conditions were horrendous and abuse was rampant. Harry ran away on several occasions. But he still remembers the death of his best friend there. Charles "Chops" Lamb's body was found in the gym under suspicious circumstances. Offenders of the rules were sent to confinement under the stairs known as The Hollow. It was worse than solitary.
Harry is determined to re-open this cold case and enlists the help of Renee Ballard of the LAPD. (Read the Renee Ballard books. They're great.) But Harry's investigation opens the door on a new kettle of fish being investigated by the FBI. Harry has been warned. But Harry being Harry does his own thing. Smart, analytical, and crafty, Harry has still got it.
The Hollow can definitely be read as a standalone. Connelly fills in all the backstories nicely and you're off and running with this electrically charged storyline. Connelly showcases the bottom feeders of life, but he also shines a light on the efforts of those who are seeking justice and fairness in this world. That can be a dire undertaking these days. We should all have Harry Bosch standing on the sidelines with Hope lined in his pockets.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Little, Brown and Company and to the talented Michael Connelly for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was thrilled to approved to read an early copy of The Hollow by my favourite author Michael Connelly, thank you so much to Orion Publishing Group. Released on November 5th, I could not wait to dive in and I spent a very happy Saturday afternoon into the evening with Harry Bosch. What could be better.
Now Harry Bosch might be in his mid 70s and retired from the police force for 12 years but that does not stop him from investigating cases. This one is personal for him and I loved getting a glimpse at younger Harry in this book. When he was a kid, Harry was a ward of the state at Maclaren Children’s Centre, some of the worst years of his life. Children were abused and mistreated for many years and finally the victims have their class action lawsuit closed and damages paid. But Harry doesn’t want the money, he wants justice for his friend who was murdered at the centre. His murder was covered up and nobody was ever charged.
He throws himself into investigating the case with the help of Renee Ballard. With his newly reconstructed knee, he might not get around as quickly as he once had but this doesn’t stop him getting into trouble. His investigations lead him unwittingly into an FBI investigation of the highest level.
Harry Bosch will always hold a special place in my heart. He has been a constant in my reading life as an adult and he brings me so much joy. He is a cranky man, not a team player and doesn’t appreciate that rules are there for a reason but that is what I love about him. His motto of Everybody Counts or Nobody Counts is never more true in this book. He is the only one who cares about what happened to his friend more than 60 years later, he will get his answers.
I loved that we got a chance to meet younger Harry in this story. As a child and as a young rookie police officer and then detective., with cases that he worked on in his past coming back to light. We see the same stubborn attitude and intensity from him even as a kid.
This is the first book we have had focused on Harry in a while which makes me very happy. Of course there are cameos from his daughter Maddie, Mickey Haller his lawyer and family and Renee Ballard who he now works cold cases with.
Michael Connelly s second book for 2026, and his second 5 star read for me. An absolute pleasure to read, and sad that I finished it.
Now Harry Bosch might be in his mid 70s and retired from the police force for 12 years but that does not stop him from investigating cases. This one is personal for him and I loved getting a glimpse at younger Harry in this book. When he was a kid, Harry was a ward of the state at Maclaren Children’s Centre, some of the worst years of his life. Children were abused and mistreated for many years and finally the victims have their class action lawsuit closed and damages paid. But Harry doesn’t want the money, he wants justice for his friend who was murdered at the centre. His murder was covered up and nobody was ever charged.
He throws himself into investigating the case with the help of Renee Ballard. With his newly reconstructed knee, he might not get around as quickly as he once had but this doesn’t stop him getting into trouble. His investigations lead him unwittingly into an FBI investigation of the highest level.
Harry Bosch will always hold a special place in my heart. He has been a constant in my reading life as an adult and he brings me so much joy. He is a cranky man, not a team player and doesn’t appreciate that rules are there for a reason but that is what I love about him. His motto of Everybody Counts or Nobody Counts is never more true in this book. He is the only one who cares about what happened to his friend more than 60 years later, he will get his answers.
I loved that we got a chance to meet younger Harry in this story. As a child and as a young rookie police officer and then detective., with cases that he worked on in his past coming back to light. We see the same stubborn attitude and intensity from him even as a kid.
This is the first book we have had focused on Harry in a while which makes me very happy. Of course there are cameos from his daughter Maddie, Mickey Haller his lawyer and family and Renee Ballard who he now works cold cases with.
Michael Connelly s second book for 2026, and his second 5 star read for me. An absolute pleasure to read, and sad that I finished it.
September 1, 2026
Harry is back!
Really back. Not just an associate in a Renee Ballard investigation, or a cameo in a Mickey Haller novel—though both Renee and Mickey appear briefly in THE HOLLOW. But finally, a novel that stars Harry, from beginning to end.
I only had to read the first paragraph to realize I was hooked:
Bosch walked between the headstones, checking names as he passed. These days he suspected that he knew more people below ground than above. He moved slowly, using the cane for support.
Thus, it starts. And doesn't stop. Although Harry is 75, and he retired from the LAPD nearly 12 years earlier, he's still trying to catch 'the ones who got away'. In the beginning, it's a man named Talbot, who Harry is sure murdered his wife 25 years earlier. Harry sets up a sting operation, working in conjunction with Ballard, head of the Open-Unsolved Unit. They overhear Talbot say in reference to Harry: "He's like a dog with a bone, that one."
While the Talbot case simmers, Harry decides to look into another long-ago murder—that of his good friend, Charles "Chops" Lamb—which took place more than 60 years earlier while both Harry and Chops were residents of the MacLauren Children's Center. Harry follows the trail from a guard whose memory is fractured to another inmate of the Center, a bully who Harry despised, and then ends up being drawn into a major FBI investigation.
The storyline twists and turns, as Harry gets desperate to make the villain pay for his crimes, not only the murder of Chops, but also a horrific mass murder—one that Harry has never forgotten after he was called upon to secure the scene soon after joining the LAPD.
In THE HOLLOW, Harry comes face to face with a true sociopath. Can he make this cold-blooded killer pay for his crimes? Harry's mind is as sharp as ever, but his body is deteriorating.
THE HOLLOW is probably Michael Connelly's best book in years. I couldn't put it down, and I suspect that most readers will feel the same way.
Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
Really back. Not just an associate in a Renee Ballard investigation, or a cameo in a Mickey Haller novel—though both Renee and Mickey appear briefly in THE HOLLOW. But finally, a novel that stars Harry, from beginning to end.
I only had to read the first paragraph to realize I was hooked:
Bosch walked between the headstones, checking names as he passed. These days he suspected that he knew more people below ground than above. He moved slowly, using the cane for support.
Thus, it starts. And doesn't stop. Although Harry is 75, and he retired from the LAPD nearly 12 years earlier, he's still trying to catch 'the ones who got away'. In the beginning, it's a man named Talbot, who Harry is sure murdered his wife 25 years earlier. Harry sets up a sting operation, working in conjunction with Ballard, head of the Open-Unsolved Unit. They overhear Talbot say in reference to Harry: "He's like a dog with a bone, that one."
While the Talbot case simmers, Harry decides to look into another long-ago murder—that of his good friend, Charles "Chops" Lamb—which took place more than 60 years earlier while both Harry and Chops were residents of the MacLauren Children's Center. Harry follows the trail from a guard whose memory is fractured to another inmate of the Center, a bully who Harry despised, and then ends up being drawn into a major FBI investigation.
The storyline twists and turns, as Harry gets desperate to make the villain pay for his crimes, not only the murder of Chops, but also a horrific mass murder—one that Harry has never forgotten after he was called upon to secure the scene soon after joining the LAPD.
In THE HOLLOW, Harry comes face to face with a true sociopath. Can he make this cold-blooded killer pay for his crimes? Harry's mind is as sharp as ever, but his body is deteriorating.
THE HOLLOW is probably Michael Connelly's best book in years. I couldn't put it down, and I suspect that most readers will feel the same way.
Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Harry Bosch was in a children's home after his mother was murdered, a house of horrors which was more like a prison. (The hollow of the title was a tiny closet which was used for punishment.) He had a friend, Chops, who died there. Even all these years later, Bosch wants to find out what happened. He learns that one of the bullies, Nick, was adopted by a career criminal, and joined his new father in evil pursuits. The FBI is also looking at Nick for some international crimes. Harry's sure Nick was involved in not only the death of Chops, but also in a grisly crime from 30 years ago, the Wonderland murders, for which no one has ever been charged. (Apparently this was a real unsolved crime in LA. Michael Connelly hosted a documentary, The Wonderland Massacre and the Secret History of Hollywood, about it.) I liked that Ballard, Haller, and Maddie also made an appearance. The story draws to an exciting conclusion, with Bosch unsurprisingly deciding to deal with the situation himself rather than requesting assistance from the police of the FBI. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another absolutely stellar story from Michael Connelly in the Bosch universe as the now retired Harry Bosch, upon finding out that he entitled to compensation for his time spent in a boys home where a pattern of abuse occurred, relives and rekindles old memories of his time there and the unsolved murder of his friend in that institution.
Determined to have one last look at it he soon crosses paths with the FBI and the mob and gets embroiled in a very dangerous world where he will have to tread carefully if he wants to stay alive.
Told in different timelines both in the present and the past in the boys home, but also in his early days in the police force, The Hollow is a tour de force of a book. Great characters, great storytelling and great pacing, I have nothing negative to say about it.
Connelly again proves he stands alone in the genre. A master story teller with characters to match.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC through Netgalley.
Determined to have one last look at it he soon crosses paths with the FBI and the mob and gets embroiled in a very dangerous world where he will have to tread carefully if he wants to stay alive.
Told in different timelines both in the present and the past in the boys home, but also in his early days in the police force, The Hollow is a tour de force of a book. Great characters, great storytelling and great pacing, I have nothing negative to say about it.
Connelly again proves he stands alone in the genre. A master story teller with characters to match.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC through Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a Harry Bosch mystery by Michael Connelly. But, when I saw The Hollow: A Harry Bosch Novel, coming out soon, I decided it was time to visit an old friend. And yes, Harry is getting old, uh, older. But then, so am I. Harry has retired from his job as a detective, but they can’t take the detective out of the man. When he was a boy, he spent time, more than once, in a detention center called MacLaren Children’s Center. It was not a nice place for children, but Harry survived. Sadly, his buddy, a Black boy known as Chops, did not. Now, as an adult, Harry learns from his attorney, Mickey Hatcher, that he’s entitled to a portion of the settlement. Harry’s not interested in the money. He wants justice for Chops.
The main thread involves Harry’s search for information about the death of his childhood friend and the person responsible. The secondary plot involves an unsolved murder case from his days as a police detective. He was always sure he knew the identity of the killer, but he never could quite get the pieces to come together enough for the DA to build a solid case. Now, he has a plan that just might work.
The search for the person responsible for the death of his friend proves long and dangerous. The suspect is involved in multiple murders and international crimes and proves to be quite elusive. Bosch must rely on his experience and instincts, as well as his contacts in the law enforcement community to track down this killer.
Initially, I was a bit disappointed when Harry got involved with others outside local law enforcement, but that’s the way it was, at least for a time, although I rather liked it better when he was working on his own or with a smaller group. sensed that he did too. This book has plenty of suspense and action, and I could picture this story being made into a movie one day.
I received an ARC digital copy of The Hollow. My opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company.
4 stars
The main thread involves Harry’s search for information about the death of his childhood friend and the person responsible. The secondary plot involves an unsolved murder case from his days as a police detective. He was always sure he knew the identity of the killer, but he never could quite get the pieces to come together enough for the DA to build a solid case. Now, he has a plan that just might work.
The search for the person responsible for the death of his friend proves long and dangerous. The suspect is involved in multiple murders and international crimes and proves to be quite elusive. Bosch must rely on his experience and instincts, as well as his contacts in the law enforcement community to track down this killer.
Initially, I was a bit disappointed when Harry got involved with others outside local law enforcement, but that’s the way it was, at least for a time, although I rather liked it better when he was working on his own or with a smaller group. sensed that he did too. This book has plenty of suspense and action, and I could picture this story being made into a movie one day.
I received an ARC digital copy of The Hollow. My opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company.
4 stars
Review of advance copy
LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, now retired, spent a significant part of his childhood as a ward of the state at MacLaren’s Children’s center, a horrific and abusive environment. As a result of a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit, Harry, along with other former residents, is entitled to a substantial settlement. Harry doesn’t want the money, he just wants to solve the covered -up murder of a friend of his killed while at MacLaren. As Harry investigates, he relives some of his years at that institution while pursuing a diabolical fellow internee. Simultaneously, he becomes involved in a secondary, intertwined storyline involving the FBI’s search for some stolen weapons.
For fans of Michael Connelly, this book is a quadruple treat. Not only is Bosch back, but we also have Ballard, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, and Harry’s daughter Maddie, although they play supporting roles. Harry is the true star of this narrative.
The 26th installment in this series, it does work well as a standalone. However, if you have been following Bosch for a few years, I believe it will enhance your enjoyment of this read.
The book employs dual timelines, alternating between the present day and Harry’s past years following his mother’s death. Through the earlier timeline, readers gain more insight into Bosch’s formative history. Now older and retired, is doing some bird watching and is the recent recipient of a knee replacement. He may have slowed down physically, but he is as mentally sharp as ever.
Michael Connelly is one of the first authors of mysteries that I started following years ago. He is a master story teller. This, as is his past books, is well plotted with compelling story lines.
The action and unraveling of the mysteries unfold swiftly, building tension throughout the narrative. Harry is a great character…his grumpiness, his desire for justice, his view that “everybody counts or nobody counts”, his disregard for always following protocol. He is a true maverick. I want fictional time to stop so that Harry remains with us for many more years.
As the author’s notes reveal, many of the events and locations in this story are real, although the characters and their actions fictional.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.
For fans of Michael Connelly, this book is a quadruple treat. Not only is Bosch back, but we also have Ballard, Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, and Harry’s daughter Maddie, although they play supporting roles. Harry is the true star of this narrative.
The 26th installment in this series, it does work well as a standalone. However, if you have been following Bosch for a few years, I believe it will enhance your enjoyment of this read.
The book employs dual timelines, alternating between the present day and Harry’s past years following his mother’s death. Through the earlier timeline, readers gain more insight into Bosch’s formative history. Now older and retired, is doing some bird watching and is the recent recipient of a knee replacement. He may have slowed down physically, but he is as mentally sharp as ever.
Michael Connelly is one of the first authors of mysteries that I started following years ago. He is a master story teller. This, as is his past books, is well plotted with compelling story lines.
The action and unraveling of the mysteries unfold swiftly, building tension throughout the narrative. Harry is a great character…his grumpiness, his desire for justice, his view that “everybody counts or nobody counts”, his disregard for always following protocol. He is a true maverick. I want fictional time to stop so that Harry remains with us for many more years.
As the author’s notes reveal, many of the events and locations in this story are real, although the characters and their actions fictional.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Harry Bosch is back. Man, it feels good to say that. It feels like all we have had for years is “Harry and (fill in the blank from the many cast of characters)”. Don’t get me wrong. I like those characters, but I love Harry and it’s good to just focus on him. Now don’t misunderstand me. They cast of characters are present, but they are in the background. Waaaaay in the background. It’s just Harry in the spotlight. And it feels right.
Harry is aging. As matter of fact, with each book, I keep expecting it to end with the cast of characters gathered around a hospital bed with the beeping slowly fading as Harry breathes his last. After all, Connelly isn’t afraid to kill of a great character. I’m still mad about Terry McCaleb.
But as Harry is aging, he wants to see some justice for some wrongs. Even if they go back 60 years when Harry was a kid.
This book is emotional, even if Harry isn’t. It will not just tug on your heart strings, this novel will rip out your heart strings and jump rope with them.
One of my criticisms for the last few years is that the heart was missing out of Michael Connelly’s books. They were good but just missing the heart. Well, someone signed this novel up for a heart transplant and it is successful. This was old school Michael Connelly and old school Harry Bosch.
Welcome back to both of you. Sign me up for this every year.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Harry is aging. As matter of fact, with each book, I keep expecting it to end with the cast of characters gathered around a hospital bed with the beeping slowly fading as Harry breathes his last. After all, Connelly isn’t afraid to kill of a great character. I’m still mad about Terry McCaleb.
But as Harry is aging, he wants to see some justice for some wrongs. Even if they go back 60 years when Harry was a kid.
This book is emotional, even if Harry isn’t. It will not just tug on your heart strings, this novel will rip out your heart strings and jump rope with them.
One of my criticisms for the last few years is that the heart was missing out of Michael Connelly’s books. They were good but just missing the heart. Well, someone signed this novel up for a heart transplant and it is successful. This was old school Michael Connelly and old school Harry Bosch.
Welcome back to both of you. Sign me up for this every year.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25-4.5 stars. I was happy to learn that Connelly didn't hang up his Bosch boots after starting the Catalina series. I was also happy to see Mickey Haller, Lorna, Ballard (and Maddie) make appearances here. A couple different investigations going, and solid/typical Bosch "police"/investigative work. A few passages I particularly enjoyed (with the memory therapist and a courtroom scene). Connelly is definitely letting us know that Bosch is aging.
Bosch fans who have read this far in the series should definitely continue with this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 27, 2026.
Bosch fans who have read this far in the series should definitely continue with this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 27, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free advance copy for review purposes.
Five stars.
Harry Bosch is back in this dark crime thriller from Michael Connelly, and I very much welcome it. This is an excellent book.
Over 60 years ago, Harry Bosch spent some of his childhood in a notorious children’s home. One of his fellow inmates was murdered, but nobody was ever caught. Bosch is determined to find out who killed him. His investigations lead to him stumbling into an active FBI case, an organisation with which he has a complicated history, and Bosch must navigate his way through a politically sensitive investigation.
This is another fantastic addition to the Harry Bosch series, and unlike recent books, the focus is fully back on Harry this time. There are cameos from Renee Ballard and Mickey Haller, but this is very much a Bosch novel, and that makes me happy. Harry has had a few health issues recently, and had just had knee replacement surgery which slows him down a bit, but his mind is as sharp as ever, and he is on top form here (as is the author).
As always, the characters in the story, both old and new, are really well drawn out, and even for long standing characters, there are always new things revealed and new layers uncovered.
I love how Michael Connelly plots and writes. His stories are a bit like jigsaw puzzles. He starts with different pieces of information that seem random, but then a connection is found between two pieces, and then those link to other pieces. From a reader point of view, I find it immensely satisfying as everything methodically comes together to form a final resolution.
Very highly recommended. This is the second Michael Connelly book of the year - Ironwood, set on Catalina Island but in the same universe, is also excellent. Not many other authors can produce two five star books in a year.
You might like this if you like Ian Rankin, Peter James, Lin Anderson or Steve Cavanagh.
Five stars.
Harry Bosch is back in this dark crime thriller from Michael Connelly, and I very much welcome it. This is an excellent book.
Over 60 years ago, Harry Bosch spent some of his childhood in a notorious children’s home. One of his fellow inmates was murdered, but nobody was ever caught. Bosch is determined to find out who killed him. His investigations lead to him stumbling into an active FBI case, an organisation with which he has a complicated history, and Bosch must navigate his way through a politically sensitive investigation.
This is another fantastic addition to the Harry Bosch series, and unlike recent books, the focus is fully back on Harry this time. There are cameos from Renee Ballard and Mickey Haller, but this is very much a Bosch novel, and that makes me happy. Harry has had a few health issues recently, and had just had knee replacement surgery which slows him down a bit, but his mind is as sharp as ever, and he is on top form here (as is the author).
As always, the characters in the story, both old and new, are really well drawn out, and even for long standing characters, there are always new things revealed and new layers uncovered.
I love how Michael Connelly plots and writes. His stories are a bit like jigsaw puzzles. He starts with different pieces of information that seem random, but then a connection is found between two pieces, and then those link to other pieces. From a reader point of view, I find it immensely satisfying as everything methodically comes together to form a final resolution.
Very highly recommended. This is the second Michael Connelly book of the year - Ironwood, set on Catalina Island but in the same universe, is also excellent. Not many other authors can produce two five star books in a year.
You might like this if you like Ian Rankin, Peter James, Lin Anderson or Steve Cavanagh.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is absolutely my favourite book series. When Michael Connelly retired Harry Bosch from the LAPD in 2014 I was worried that the series would come to an end. 12 years later, this is a stunning book, I loved it!
In this novel we are taken back to Harry's time in a notorious children's home, Maclaren, in the 1960s. In the current timeline, Harry picks up a cold case investigation of a murder at Maclaren of a childhood friend. Of course it's not as simple as that, a breakthrough in the case gets him involved with a taskforce looking at a much bigger investigation involving stolen weapons.
I loved the dual timeline aspect of this book. I have been reading about Harry Bosch for many years, so to get a bit more of his back story is always a good thing. I like that the author explained that some of the things I would have assumed were fictional, were actually real and factual.
I liked the crossover with other Michael Connelly characters. The Lincoln Lawyer has a cameo role and Ballard is there throughout much of the narrative.
This was a great crime thriller read - fast paced, topical, lots of twists and turns - and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre (but read the rest of the series first!).
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this novel we are taken back to Harry's time in a notorious children's home, Maclaren, in the 1960s. In the current timeline, Harry picks up a cold case investigation of a murder at Maclaren of a childhood friend. Of course it's not as simple as that, a breakthrough in the case gets him involved with a taskforce looking at a much bigger investigation involving stolen weapons.
I loved the dual timeline aspect of this book. I have been reading about Harry Bosch for many years, so to get a bit more of his back story is always a good thing. I like that the author explained that some of the things I would have assumed were fictional, were actually real and factual.
I liked the crossover with other Michael Connelly characters. The Lincoln Lawyer has a cameo role and Ballard is there throughout much of the narrative.
This was a great crime thriller read - fast paced, topical, lots of twists and turns - and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre (but read the rest of the series first!).
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘The Hollow’, by Michael Connelly, is the latest Harry Bosch thriller .The main man may be officially retired as a Detective yet he refuses to simply rest easy while there’s honest work still to be done in the search for the truth.Despite the real challenges of aging his instincts and drive remain as strong as ever.
There are still some open unsolved investigations for him that dig deep into his soul’s desire to achieve resolution in the memory of the victims.
The intense personal trauma of his time as an orphaned boy spent in the horrendous MacLaren institution combined with freshly jolted memories of the very poorly investigated murder of a close friend he met there ,inspires him to seek justice despite the gap of so many years.
The at times intertwining complex investigations including criminal activities from the more distant past and the present make this feel like one of the most compelling Bosch stories ever,as he ensures no valuable time is wasted despite the passing decades.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group , for an Advance Readers Copy for review.
There are still some open unsolved investigations for him that dig deep into his soul’s desire to achieve resolution in the memory of the victims.
The intense personal trauma of his time as an orphaned boy spent in the horrendous MacLaren institution combined with freshly jolted memories of the very poorly investigated murder of a close friend he met there ,inspires him to seek justice despite the gap of so many years.
The at times intertwining complex investigations including criminal activities from the more distant past and the present make this feel like one of the most compelling Bosch stories ever,as he ensures no valuable time is wasted despite the passing decades.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group , for an Advance Readers Copy for review.
September 20, 2026
The Hollow By Michael Connelly is a very highly recommended investigative thriller. This can readily be enjoyed as a standalone despite the fact that it is the 26th novel featuring retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch.
Still recovering from knee replacement surgery 4 weeks earlier, Harry Bosch visits the grave of murder victim Jennifer Talbot whose case was never solved. He is leaving a vase of flowers on it when her ex-husband Gregory Talbot shows up. The two exchange words, Bosch leaves and Talbot takes the vase of flowers to give to his current wife, not knowing that the flowers were bugged and everything he says is being recorded by Renee Ballard and her team. They record him and his wife confessing to the murder. Now they need to file the charges.
When he returns home, defense attorney Mickey Haller is there to inform Bosch that the class action civil suit against MacLaren Children's Center, which was decades in the making, has been settled and he along with many others are entitled to an award for damages of $350,000. Over sixty years ago Bosch became a ward of the state and sent to the notorious MacLaren after his mother died. The news pulls Bosch back in time to 1963 when he first met his good friend Charlie Lamb "Chops" who was killed at MacLaren in 1965. At the time Chops death was barely investigated. Now Bosch wants to see the discovery papers from the class action suit and hopefully find clues about who killed Chops. He has his suspicions. Bosch's investigation leads him right into another, much larger, investigation involving the FBI.
It was a sheer pleasure to read this well-written, fast-paced, un-put-downable novel featuring compelling investigations covering decades. The writing is clear and concise while following the clues in the investigations and it will hold your complete attention. He manages to follow clues and piece together information that others have missed. The deep dive into events from the past, along with Bosch's memories, added a depth to the current discoveries. He doesn't want the payout, in fact he's going to donate it, what he wants is justice.
Bosch may be feeling his age now, but his mind is still as sharp as ever and he continues to put himself into harms way. Honestly, there were times when I wanted to caution him, "Be careful. You've just had a knee replacement and you are 75." I understand that he would ignore me and continue to do things his way. The final denouement, implemented in Bosch's immutable style, was absolutely perfectly.
The Hollow is an excellent choice for those who enjoy investigative thrillers and fans of Michael Connelly's novel. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
https://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/...
Still recovering from knee replacement surgery 4 weeks earlier, Harry Bosch visits the grave of murder victim Jennifer Talbot whose case was never solved. He is leaving a vase of flowers on it when her ex-husband Gregory Talbot shows up. The two exchange words, Bosch leaves and Talbot takes the vase of flowers to give to his current wife, not knowing that the flowers were bugged and everything he says is being recorded by Renee Ballard and her team. They record him and his wife confessing to the murder. Now they need to file the charges.
When he returns home, defense attorney Mickey Haller is there to inform Bosch that the class action civil suit against MacLaren Children's Center, which was decades in the making, has been settled and he along with many others are entitled to an award for damages of $350,000. Over sixty years ago Bosch became a ward of the state and sent to the notorious MacLaren after his mother died. The news pulls Bosch back in time to 1963 when he first met his good friend Charlie Lamb "Chops" who was killed at MacLaren in 1965. At the time Chops death was barely investigated. Now Bosch wants to see the discovery papers from the class action suit and hopefully find clues about who killed Chops. He has his suspicions. Bosch's investigation leads him right into another, much larger, investigation involving the FBI.
It was a sheer pleasure to read this well-written, fast-paced, un-put-downable novel featuring compelling investigations covering decades. The writing is clear and concise while following the clues in the investigations and it will hold your complete attention. He manages to follow clues and piece together information that others have missed. The deep dive into events from the past, along with Bosch's memories, added a depth to the current discoveries. He doesn't want the payout, in fact he's going to donate it, what he wants is justice.
Bosch may be feeling his age now, but his mind is still as sharp as ever and he continues to put himself into harms way. Honestly, there were times when I wanted to caution him, "Be careful. You've just had a knee replacement and you are 75." I understand that he would ignore me and continue to do things his way. The final denouement, implemented in Bosch's immutable style, was absolutely perfectly.
The Hollow is an excellent choice for those who enjoy investigative thrillers and fans of Michael Connelly's novel. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
https://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is the continuation of the Harry Bosch series. The story revolves around Harry’s age and the challenges it presents as he works to solve a cold case that ties into a current development.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Readers are in for a treat when they manage to acquire a copy of Michael Connelly's latest work. Somehow the maestro manages to complete up to two books a year featuring a combination of Bosch, Haller, Ballard and Stilwell and the standard never dips.
The books are brilliantly plotted, exciting and provide a wonderful feel of time and place.
This is no exception as Harry Bosch attempts to solve a murder that has haunted him since he was a young boy in care. He ends up involved with the FBI and they do not make easy bedmates given the history between them but eventually all comes good.
Bosch is as opinionated and maverick as ever but at 75 he is slowing up and the author is brilliant in the way he depicts his growing infirmities and how Bosch is attempting to cope with them. I am pleased that Bosch is axing - if not gracefully - but in real time, and this makes for a book that is just as good as its predecessors - in other words it is outstanding.
The books are brilliantly plotted, exciting and provide a wonderful feel of time and place.
This is no exception as Harry Bosch attempts to solve a murder that has haunted him since he was a young boy in care. He ends up involved with the FBI and they do not make easy bedmates given the history between them but eventually all comes good.
Bosch is as opinionated and maverick as ever but at 75 he is slowing up and the author is brilliant in the way he depicts his growing infirmities and how Bosch is attempting to cope with them. I am pleased that Bosch is axing - if not gracefully - but in real time, and this makes for a book that is just as good as its predecessors - in other words it is outstanding.
September 10, 2026
After making cameo appearances in several recent books by the author, Michael Connelly gives us a new Harry Bosch novel that many readers will welcome. Bosch is now in his 70s, a private detective, and recovering from knee replacement surgery.
The story begins with Bosch learning from his half-brother, Mickey Haller (aka The Lincoln Lawyer), that he is eligible for a jury award as one of the survivors of the notorious McLaren Children's Center, an actual facility (now closed) in Los Angeles where Bosch was housed for several years as an orphaned juvenile after the murder of his mother.. While Bosch wants nothing to do with the settlement, it brings back memories of his time there and a friend, nicknamed Chops who was murdered at the facility in a closet under a stairwell known as "The Hollow."
Bosch decides to take up the cold case, but finds little to explain what happened to his friend. But Bosch keeps digging and realizes that Chops may have been killed by another older resident of McLaren, who it turns out decades later to now be involved in the highest levels of criminal activity and international arms dealing. Despite putting his own life in danger, Bosch pursues leads and information with the hopes of finding the killer of his childhood friend.
A couple of other sub-plots adds further interest to the book, a common tool used by the author in other books.
Readers will also find this book features Renee Ballard who heads the LA cold cases open investigative unit, and a brief appearance by his daughter, Maddie Bosch, also an investigator in Ballard's unit..
The book keeps the reader engaged, leading up to a dramatic ending. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to readers who like this series and murder mysteries/thrillers.
I give the book 5/5 stars.
My thanks to Michael Connelly, LIttle Brown & Company, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this new book.
The story begins with Bosch learning from his half-brother, Mickey Haller (aka The Lincoln Lawyer), that he is eligible for a jury award as one of the survivors of the notorious McLaren Children's Center, an actual facility (now closed) in Los Angeles where Bosch was housed for several years as an orphaned juvenile after the murder of his mother.. While Bosch wants nothing to do with the settlement, it brings back memories of his time there and a friend, nicknamed Chops who was murdered at the facility in a closet under a stairwell known as "The Hollow."
Bosch decides to take up the cold case, but finds little to explain what happened to his friend. But Bosch keeps digging and realizes that Chops may have been killed by another older resident of McLaren, who it turns out decades later to now be involved in the highest levels of criminal activity and international arms dealing. Despite putting his own life in danger, Bosch pursues leads and information with the hopes of finding the killer of his childhood friend.
A couple of other sub-plots adds further interest to the book, a common tool used by the author in other books.
Readers will also find this book features Renee Ballard who heads the LA cold cases open investigative unit, and a brief appearance by his daughter, Maddie Bosch, also an investigator in Ballard's unit..
The book keeps the reader engaged, leading up to a dramatic ending. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to readers who like this series and murder mysteries/thrillers.
I give the book 5/5 stars.
My thanks to Michael Connelly, LIttle Brown & Company, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this new book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have never been more excited to read a book as The Hollow as I missed Harry Bosch living on my pages. This time, he wasn't a name- drop, he didn't even make a guest apperance, he actually got his own book again!
His physical condition may have changed, but Harry is still the same stubborn, determined, cunning, honourable detective as he was first introduced in Black Echo.
I highly recommend this book for any new reader looking for a great mystery and of course any old Connelly fans.
Five Stars Stellar read all around.
I have never been more excited to read a book as The Hollow as I missed Harry Bosch living on my pages. This time, he wasn't a name- drop, he didn't even make a guest apperance, he actually got his own book again!
His physical condition may have changed, but Harry is still the same stubborn, determined, cunning, honourable detective as he was first introduced in Black Echo.
I highly recommend this book for any new reader looking for a great mystery and of course any old Connelly fans.
Five Stars Stellar read all around.
Read
August 22, 2026For a retired LAPD cop, Harry Bosch is busy with two cases in the works in The Hollow by Michael Connelly coming out in October. One case has pulled Harry back to the 1960s after a massive class action lawsuit has netted billions in settlement for the former residents of MacLaren Children’s Center, Harry being one of those from age 11 to 16.
Entitled to some of that disbursement, Harry wants justice instead, calling upon his connection to Detective Renee Ballard and her cold case division. He was already working with her to finally catch the murderer in a case he had not been able to close in 2001. Using a little ingenuity and a bug hidden in a bouquet of flowers, together they are bringing a successful conclusion to the long unresolved case.
Now Harry could devote all his time to the children’s home that was a pit of abuse and neglect and to getting justice for a long-dead teen named Charles “Chops” Lamb. Called inmates because the center was under the jurisdiction of the state probation department, they often fought among themselves, earning time in the hollow, a cramped storage space under the staircase in the administrative wing of MacLaren’s.
Working a case as only Bosch can—"everybody counts or nobody counts”—he learns from old case files that Chops’ death appears to have been covered up as little investigation was done. Being Harry, he uses his skills to dig deep, finding a former probation officer who is still alive and was working at MacLaren’s at the time of the boy’s death, albeit he is in a care home with memory loss.
With just the right spark of a memory about an incident the day before Chops’ death at MacLaren’s, the retired guard lights the way to Harry bringing down a cruel murderer, putting Harry’s own scarred history to rest. Problem is, Harry’s hunt for justice knocks heads with the FBI’s own pursuit as the killer has a long list of crimes, one a current threat about some missing ammunitions including Hellfire missiles.
Note: some of the elements of the story are based on real incidents and real people, and MacLaren Hall was a real place, a house of horrors, open from 1961 until it was closed in 2003 and is being rebuilt as a city park in El Monte, California.
This reader is so grateful that Michael Connelly is still writing Harry Bosch stories, this one being the 26th.
My review will be posted on Goodreads starting August 22, 2026.
I would like to thank Little, Brown and Company, the Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.
Entitled to some of that disbursement, Harry wants justice instead, calling upon his connection to Detective Renee Ballard and her cold case division. He was already working with her to finally catch the murderer in a case he had not been able to close in 2001. Using a little ingenuity and a bug hidden in a bouquet of flowers, together they are bringing a successful conclusion to the long unresolved case.
Now Harry could devote all his time to the children’s home that was a pit of abuse and neglect and to getting justice for a long-dead teen named Charles “Chops” Lamb. Called inmates because the center was under the jurisdiction of the state probation department, they often fought among themselves, earning time in the hollow, a cramped storage space under the staircase in the administrative wing of MacLaren’s.
Working a case as only Bosch can—"everybody counts or nobody counts”—he learns from old case files that Chops’ death appears to have been covered up as little investigation was done. Being Harry, he uses his skills to dig deep, finding a former probation officer who is still alive and was working at MacLaren’s at the time of the boy’s death, albeit he is in a care home with memory loss.
With just the right spark of a memory about an incident the day before Chops’ death at MacLaren’s, the retired guard lights the way to Harry bringing down a cruel murderer, putting Harry’s own scarred history to rest. Problem is, Harry’s hunt for justice knocks heads with the FBI’s own pursuit as the killer has a long list of crimes, one a current threat about some missing ammunitions including Hellfire missiles.
Note: some of the elements of the story are based on real incidents and real people, and MacLaren Hall was a real place, a house of horrors, open from 1961 until it was closed in 2003 and is being rebuilt as a city park in El Monte, California.
This reader is so grateful that Michael Connelly is still writing Harry Bosch stories, this one being the 26th.
My review will be posted on Goodreads starting August 22, 2026.
I would like to thank Little, Brown and Company, the Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an objective review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve read several of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch books, and they never disappoint! Once again, Connelly delivers a great police procedural thriller with a fast pace, fascinating cases, and, of course, the character I keep coming back for—Harry Bosch.
I love Harry. Even though he’s retired from the police force, he just can’t seem to stay away from cases. Whether it’s a cold case or an active investigation, Harry always finds a way to get involved. There’s something about his character that makes him so compelling.
This time, Harry finds himself involved in two very different cases. One involves the FBI and missing missiles, while the other involves the murder of a teenager from juvenile hall. That case becomes especially personal for Harry because he spent several years in juvie himself as a teenager. I really enjoyed that part of the story because it gave us a different look at Harry and his past.
As always, the story kept me turning the pages. The cases were interesting, the pacing was great, and Harry Bosch was as compelling as ever.
Another winner from Michael Connelly! A definite 5-star read for me!
I love Harry. Even though he’s retired from the police force, he just can’t seem to stay away from cases. Whether it’s a cold case or an active investigation, Harry always finds a way to get involved. There’s something about his character that makes him so compelling.
This time, Harry finds himself involved in two very different cases. One involves the FBI and missing missiles, while the other involves the murder of a teenager from juvenile hall. That case becomes especially personal for Harry because he spent several years in juvie himself as a teenager. I really enjoyed that part of the story because it gave us a different look at Harry and his past.
As always, the story kept me turning the pages. The cases were interesting, the pacing was great, and Harry Bosch was as compelling as ever.
Another winner from Michael Connelly! A definite 5-star read for me!
September 4, 2026
Bosch Finally retired ? I believe not. The series remains consistently entertaining, featuring captivating characters.
Connelly delivers another exceptional performance.
I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of the book.
Connelly delivers another exceptional performance.
I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Using a class action settlement brought by Mickey Haller as the catalyst, Michael Connelly weaves in Harry’s past at the MacLaren Children’s Center with the present day. Having Harry refuse the payout because he'd rather get justice for Chops in "the hollow" at MacLaren is so classic Harry Bosch. He truly never lets a case go. Using Harry’s early days at against a present-day case adds so much emotion. It gives everything he does, that stubborn drive to get justice for the forgotten a deeper foundation. His "everybody counts or nobody counts" mentality was forged in "the hollow".
I love Harry and we get to “see” most of the gang, Harry, Renée Ballard, Maddie, and Mickey, in this book. I read this book in two sittings (life required me to participate or it would have been 1 sitting). The book is dedicated to those who survived MacLaren (yes a real place and was shut down, and there was a lawsuit), and seeing that pulled on my heartstrings.
I love Harry and we get to “see” most of the gang, Harry, Renée Ballard, Maddie, and Mickey, in this book. I read this book in two sittings (life required me to participate or it would have been 1 sitting). The book is dedicated to those who survived MacLaren (yes a real place and was shut down, and there was a lawsuit), and seeing that pulled on my heartstrings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hollow by Michael Connelly (Oct. 2026) [read in September]
Harry Bosch Universe #43, Harry Bosch #26
352-page Hardcover
Genre: Mystery > Crime; Suspense, Thriller > Mystery Thriller; Contemporary
Rating as a movie: R for violence
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💐🪦⚖️
I was thrilled to receive an advance digital copy of The Hollow, and it is actually a solo Bosch novel—no double billing here, although Ballard and Haller do make appearances. I've been saying for a while that I'm getting really tired of Connelly trying to kill off Bosch with leukemia and that he should focus more on prequels. I doubt he actually read my opinion on the matter, but this book does exactly that, giving Bosch a much more meaningful runway than just letting him age out under a cloud of illness.
The story features multiple timelines and covers cold cases that link to Harry's youth in the '60s and his time as a young cop before he made detective in the early '80s. We get Harry's POV in 1963, 1981, and present-day as he puts it all together. Even though it's been 60 years, he has not forgotten, and he wants justice because "everybody counts," which is classic Harry.
There is an Agent Cavanaugh in this story, and every time I read his name, it made me think of Steve Cavanagh. I know Connelly is always naming his characters after real-life people and friends, so maybe he did that intentionally and changed the spelling; I appreciated the gesture either way. This story also weaves real-life cases into the fiction, giving readers an opportunity to look into the true events. I'm not really into True Crime, so I am completely satisfied with what I read here and the author's note, but for history buffs, this book could easily be a gateway to some nonfiction deep dives.
All in all, it was a great book. It is a solid 4.5-star read for me, rounded up to a 5. I wasn't as stressed with this story as I have been with previous books, but they were still hurting my boy unnecessarily. This man is 76 years old—give him a break and keep your hands off! It was a stellar story that still outclasses a lot of modern crime fiction; it just wasn't as flashy this time around.
Recommend to others: Always. You can't go wrong with Connelly. I've read every single thing he's written and have never rated him below four stars. And that was just for Chasing the Dime, and we're going to just pretend that didn't happen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Harry Bosch
✔︎ 1. The Black Echo (1992)
✔︎ 2. The Black Ice (1993)
✔︎ 3. The Concrete Blonde (1994)
✔︎ 4. The Last Coyote (1995)
✔︎ 5. Trunk Music (1997)
✔︎ 6. Angels Flight (1998)
✔︎ 7. A Darkness More Than Night (2000)
✔︎ 8. City Of Bones (2002)
✔︎ 9. Lost Light (2003)
✔︎ 10. The Narrows (2004)
✔︎ 11. The Closers (2005)
✔︎ 12. Echo Park (2006)
✔︎ 13. The Overlook (2007)
✔︎ 14. Nine Dragons (2009)
✔︎ The Reversal (2010)
✔︎ 14.5. Suicide Run (2011)
✔︎ 15. The Drop (2011)
✔︎ 15.5. Angle of Investigation (2011)
✔︎ 16. The Black Box (2012)
✔︎ 16.5. Switchblade (2014)
✔︎ 17. The Burning Room (2014)
✔︎ 18. The Crossing (2015)
✔︎ 19. The Wrong Side of Goodbye (2016)
✔︎ 19.5. Blue on Black (2016)
✔︎ 20. Two Kinds of Truth (2017)
✔︎ 21. Dark Sacred Night (2018)
✔︎ 22. The Night Fire (2019)
✔︎ 23. The Dark Hours (2021)
✔︎ Hieronymus Bosch: A Mysterious Profile (2022)
✔︎ 24. Desert Star (2022)
✔︎ 25. The Waiting (2024)
✔︎ 26. The Hollow (2026)
Featuring: Los Angeles, California; Retired Detective, Class-Action Lawsuit Settlement, Cold Cases, Mickey Haller, Renée Ballard, Murder, LAPD, MacLaren Hall, Children's Shelter, 1963, Flashbacks, FBI, Violence, Politics, MurdersInjustices vs Justice, Lompoc, California; Author's Note
Songs for the soundtrack: "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan
Harry Bosch Universe #43, Harry Bosch #26
352-page Hardcover
Genre: Mystery > Crime; Suspense, Thriller > Mystery Thriller; Contemporary
Rating as a movie: R for violence
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💐🪦⚖️
I was thrilled to receive an advance digital copy of The Hollow, and it is actually a solo Bosch novel—no double billing here, although Ballard and Haller do make appearances. I've been saying for a while that I'm getting really tired of Connelly trying to kill off Bosch with leukemia and that he should focus more on prequels. I doubt he actually read my opinion on the matter, but this book does exactly that, giving Bosch a much more meaningful runway than just letting him age out under a cloud of illness.
The story features multiple timelines and covers cold cases that link to Harry's youth in the '60s and his time as a young cop before he made detective in the early '80s. We get Harry's POV in 1963, 1981, and present-day as he puts it all together. Even though it's been 60 years, he has not forgotten, and he wants justice because "everybody counts," which is classic Harry.
There is an Agent Cavanaugh in this story, and every time I read his name, it made me think of Steve Cavanagh. I know Connelly is always naming his characters after real-life people and friends, so maybe he did that intentionally and changed the spelling; I appreciated the gesture either way. This story also weaves real-life cases into the fiction, giving readers an opportunity to look into the true events. I'm not really into True Crime, so I am completely satisfied with what I read here and the author's note, but for history buffs, this book could easily be a gateway to some nonfiction deep dives.
All in all, it was a great book. It is a solid 4.5-star read for me, rounded up to a 5. I wasn't as stressed with this story as I have been with previous books, but they were still hurting my boy unnecessarily. This man is 76 years old—give him a break and keep your hands off! It was a stellar story that still outclasses a lot of modern crime fiction; it just wasn't as flashy this time around.
Recommend to others: Always. You can't go wrong with Connelly. I've read every single thing he's written and have never rated him below four stars. And that was just for Chasing the Dime, and we're going to just pretend that didn't happen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Harry Bosch
✔︎ 1. The Black Echo (1992)
✔︎ 2. The Black Ice (1993)
✔︎ 3. The Concrete Blonde (1994)
✔︎ 4. The Last Coyote (1995)
✔︎ 5. Trunk Music (1997)
✔︎ 6. Angels Flight (1998)
✔︎ 7. A Darkness More Than Night (2000)
✔︎ 8. City Of Bones (2002)
✔︎ 9. Lost Light (2003)
✔︎ 10. The Narrows (2004)
✔︎ 11. The Closers (2005)
✔︎ 12. Echo Park (2006)
✔︎ 13. The Overlook (2007)
✔︎ 14. Nine Dragons (2009)
✔︎ The Reversal (2010)
✔︎ 14.5. Suicide Run (2011)
✔︎ 15. The Drop (2011)
✔︎ 15.5. Angle of Investigation (2011)
✔︎ 16. The Black Box (2012)
✔︎ 16.5. Switchblade (2014)
✔︎ 17. The Burning Room (2014)
✔︎ 18. The Crossing (2015)
✔︎ 19. The Wrong Side of Goodbye (2016)
✔︎ 19.5. Blue on Black (2016)
✔︎ 20. Two Kinds of Truth (2017)
✔︎ 21. Dark Sacred Night (2018)
✔︎ 22. The Night Fire (2019)
✔︎ 23. The Dark Hours (2021)
✔︎ Hieronymus Bosch: A Mysterious Profile (2022)
✔︎ 24. Desert Star (2022)
✔︎ 25. The Waiting (2024)
✔︎ 26. The Hollow (2026)
Featuring: Los Angeles, California; Retired Detective, Class-Action Lawsuit Settlement, Cold Cases, Mickey Haller, Renée Ballard, Murder, LAPD, MacLaren Hall, Children's Shelter, 1963, Flashbacks, FBI, Violence, Politics, MurdersInjustices vs Justice, Lompoc, California; Author's Note
Songs for the soundtrack: "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Hollow
Author: Michael Connelly
Series: Harry Bosch #26
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Pub Date: October 27, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 352
Harry Bosch retired fourteen years ago but there are cases out there he wants to solve. He recently had knee replacement surgery, so his mobility is not great right now, but he still has skills and determination.
Story starts when Bosch is visiting the grave site of Jennifer Talbot a woman who was beaten to death. This case was one of last ones before Bosch retired. He was sure the husband did it but didn’t have enough evidence. Recently the grounds keeper reported that on the last anniversary the husband was screaming and yelling profanity at his wife’s grave site and admitted he killed her. So, this year Bosch is there in hopes of getting the evidence he needs.
Next he gets a visit from his half-brother, Mickey Halley. Haller informs him that there has been a settlement in a class action suit against suit against MacLaren Children's Center where Harry was housed in his youth. Harry doesn't want money. He wants justice.
He finally decided to accept the money and requests it to be sent to “Hope in a Suitcase’ an origination that provides a suitcase filled with clothes and other supplies to children entering the foster care system n LA.
In the 1960s when Bosch was eleven years old, his mother was murdered and he became a ward of the state, housed in MacLaren Children’s Center.
While there for a few years, he met thirteen-year-old Charles "Chops" Lamb- a black boy with green eyes who was a kind young man. When Chops first got there and looked for a place in the dining hall, Harry’s table looked like an okay place to sit there. Only soon bullies tell Chops it is for whites only- blacks sit in the back corner. Bosch gets up without a fight and tells Chops as they walk to the black section (Yes it is1965!) that some boys are criminals are there to get them off the street, but they need to stay away from them.
The place is more like a jail - physical abuse and the conditions were horrible. If the rules were broken, offenders were sent to ’The Hollow’ solitary confinement under the stairs.
One morning his best friend "Chops" was found dead. His death was covered up and never solved.
Now Harry is determined to re-open this cold case.
He knows he needs so enlists the help of Renee Ballard to get at the truth.
His probing opens the door to a new investigation by the FBI.
There is a lot going on in this story. Bosch does find out what happened to ‘Chops’ so was able to accomplish what he intended. He takes down bad guys and runs circles around the feds in the mist of all of this!
Yep! Harry stuff and he does best! Delighted he still has it!
In the Author’s Notes~ Michael Connell tells us that
The Wonderland massacre is a true story.
MacLaren Hall was a real place and was a ‘house of horror’.
‘Hope in a Suitcase’ is a real organization. You can visit
www.hopeinasuitcase.com if you would like to donate.
Parts of this story are very emotional as well as extremely sad. I was pleased Connelly gave us more information for ‘Hope in a Suitcase’.
Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 27, 2026.
Author: Michael Connelly
Series: Harry Bosch #26
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Pub Date: October 27, 2026
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 352
Harry Bosch retired fourteen years ago but there are cases out there he wants to solve. He recently had knee replacement surgery, so his mobility is not great right now, but he still has skills and determination.
Story starts when Bosch is visiting the grave site of Jennifer Talbot a woman who was beaten to death. This case was one of last ones before Bosch retired. He was sure the husband did it but didn’t have enough evidence. Recently the grounds keeper reported that on the last anniversary the husband was screaming and yelling profanity at his wife’s grave site and admitted he killed her. So, this year Bosch is there in hopes of getting the evidence he needs.
Next he gets a visit from his half-brother, Mickey Halley. Haller informs him that there has been a settlement in a class action suit against suit against MacLaren Children's Center where Harry was housed in his youth. Harry doesn't want money. He wants justice.
He finally decided to accept the money and requests it to be sent to “Hope in a Suitcase’ an origination that provides a suitcase filled with clothes and other supplies to children entering the foster care system n LA.
In the 1960s when Bosch was eleven years old, his mother was murdered and he became a ward of the state, housed in MacLaren Children’s Center.
While there for a few years, he met thirteen-year-old Charles "Chops" Lamb- a black boy with green eyes who was a kind young man. When Chops first got there and looked for a place in the dining hall, Harry’s table looked like an okay place to sit there. Only soon bullies tell Chops it is for whites only- blacks sit in the back corner. Bosch gets up without a fight and tells Chops as they walk to the black section (Yes it is1965!) that some boys are criminals are there to get them off the street, but they need to stay away from them.
The place is more like a jail - physical abuse and the conditions were horrible. If the rules were broken, offenders were sent to ’The Hollow’ solitary confinement under the stairs.
One morning his best friend "Chops" was found dead. His death was covered up and never solved.
Now Harry is determined to re-open this cold case.
He knows he needs so enlists the help of Renee Ballard to get at the truth.
His probing opens the door to a new investigation by the FBI.
There is a lot going on in this story. Bosch does find out what happened to ‘Chops’ so was able to accomplish what he intended. He takes down bad guys and runs circles around the feds in the mist of all of this!
Yep! Harry stuff and he does best! Delighted he still has it!
In the Author’s Notes~ Michael Connell tells us that
The Wonderland massacre is a true story.
MacLaren Hall was a real place and was a ‘house of horror’.
‘Hope in a Suitcase’ is a real organization. You can visit
www.hopeinasuitcase.com if you would like to donate.
Parts of this story are very emotional as well as extremely sad. I was pleased Connelly gave us more information for ‘Hope in a Suitcase’.
Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 27, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Harry Bosch has been retired for many years yet he is still investigating crimes, mostly unsolved ones with the help of Renee Ballard of the unsolved unit.
However, in this book the case he is working on is personal- Harry lived in a children’s home as a child and one of his friends died, murdered, but no one was ever convicted. Harry has just had a knee replacement but this does not stop him getting involved in a lot of action as his investigation into this murder leads him to a conspiracy perpetrated by a very dangerous criminal who is still at large.
I’ve read many Michael Connelly books over the years and they are all excellent, tightly plotted and captivating . It was interesting to get some background on Harry during his time at the home which has obviously influenced the man he has become. The place was run like a prison and many of the children were badly treated leading to a court case and compensation .
It is good to see that he is still a great investigator despite his advanced years and as this case is so personal to him, he is determined to get a positive outcome and punish the perpetrator.
This was one of those books I couldn’t put down - the plot kept moving forward at a cracking pace ensuring I was completely engrossed in Harry Bosch’s world .
I definitely recommend “The Hollow” to all Michael Connelly and Harry Bosch fans. In fact if you haven’t read these books before you should give them a try- I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
However, in this book the case he is working on is personal- Harry lived in a children’s home as a child and one of his friends died, murdered, but no one was ever convicted. Harry has just had a knee replacement but this does not stop him getting involved in a lot of action as his investigation into this murder leads him to a conspiracy perpetrated by a very dangerous criminal who is still at large.
I’ve read many Michael Connelly books over the years and they are all excellent, tightly plotted and captivating . It was interesting to get some background on Harry during his time at the home which has obviously influenced the man he has become. The place was run like a prison and many of the children were badly treated leading to a court case and compensation .
It is good to see that he is still a great investigator despite his advanced years and as this case is so personal to him, he is determined to get a positive outcome and punish the perpetrator.
This was one of those books I couldn’t put down - the plot kept moving forward at a cracking pace ensuring I was completely engrossed in Harry Bosch’s world .
I definitely recommend “The Hollow” to all Michael Connelly and Harry Bosch fans. In fact if you haven’t read these books before you should give them a try- I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was great to have a new Harry Bosch book. Harry is retired, but he still has a lot of energy. The book starts out with Harry going to the cemetary to his first wife's grave. He has a nice bouquet, and sees Talbot (Bosch's first wife's second husband) standing by the grave. Talbot is not happy to see Bosch, and Bosch believes that Talbot had murdered his wife. Bosch leaves the flowers, and Talbot picks them up to bring home, not knowing that there is a recorder hidden in the bouquet. Bosch would like to get him for killing his former wife.
When Micky Haller tells Bosch that the County is settling MacLaren lawsuits. Bosch had lived in MacLaren after his mother had been murdered, and it was a horrible place. He decides he wants to find out about his close friend there, Charley Lamb, who was found dead in the Hollow, a place of punishment. Micky is asked to go help out the FBI with the case, and begins checking up on Nick Stokely now called Nick Novak, who was the man in the Hollow with Charley. However, the FBI wants Novak because he had stollen some missiles.
The book goes back and forth in time, and it's very exciting, especially near the end. You don't need to read all the earlier books before reading this one, as all is explained well.
I thank Netgalley and Little Brown for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication. I highly recommend it.
When Micky Haller tells Bosch that the County is settling MacLaren lawsuits. Bosch had lived in MacLaren after his mother had been murdered, and it was a horrible place. He decides he wants to find out about his close friend there, Charley Lamb, who was found dead in the Hollow, a place of punishment. Micky is asked to go help out the FBI with the case, and begins checking up on Nick Stokely now called Nick Novak, who was the man in the Hollow with Charley. However, the FBI wants Novak because he had stollen some missiles.
The book goes back and forth in time, and it's very exciting, especially near the end. You don't need to read all the earlier books before reading this one, as all is explained well.
I thank Netgalley and Little Brown for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication. I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Michael Connelly; Little, Brown, and Company; and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Hollow is the latest in the long Harry Bosch series of books. In this story, Harry is long retired, but he is still helping with cold cases. In particular, he is interested in finding the killer of a friend of his – Chops, who was killed in a juvenile detention center decades ago. As he investigates, he finds there are complications and previously unknown connections to other cases, including the Wonderland murders.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Harry Bosch and this one reminded me of why I liked them so well. The story is well written, as you would expect from a Michael Connelly book and the story moves quickly along. The characters are comfortable and familiar – we know them well from previous books. And Harry’s “everybody counts or nobody counts” is in full focus as he seeks justice for a friend who deserved justice and a better life. Recommended.
The Hollow is the latest in the long Harry Bosch series of books. In this story, Harry is long retired, but he is still helping with cold cases. In particular, he is interested in finding the killer of a friend of his – Chops, who was killed in a juvenile detention center decades ago. As he investigates, he finds there are complications and previously unknown connections to other cases, including the Wonderland murders.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Harry Bosch and this one reminded me of why I liked them so well. The story is well written, as you would expect from a Michael Connelly book and the story moves quickly along. The characters are comfortable and familiar – we know them well from previous books. And Harry’s “everybody counts or nobody counts” is in full focus as he seeks justice for a friend who deserved justice and a better life. Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Harry Bosch is back, helping the LA detectives solve cold cases. He has just had a knee replacement, like many of us baby boomers, but he carries on valiantly. One of the murders involves a man who murdered his wife years ago to marry his mistress- Harry plants a listening device at the victim’s gravesite and catches the murderer talking about how he got away with murder. The most fascinating portions of the book explore Harry’s childhood days at a residential facility for youth. Bosch loses a friend here called Chops when he is beaten to death in The Hollows, an isolation room where children are punished. We learn much about why Harry’s personality has developed the way it has. Good read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars, rounded up.
Harry Bosch is back! In The Hollow retired LAPD detective Bosch is offered a portion of a massive class-action settlement dating back to the years he spent in the horrific MacLaren Children's Center. Instead, he turns it down and opts to reopen the decades-old murder case of his childhood friend who was killed there and the murder covered up. The death of his friend Chops is something Harry has NEVER been able to forget.
He tracks the bully, who is now a dangerous criminal, determined to finally find justice for Chops and peace for himself. I loved that Harry had his daughter, as well as Renee Ballard helping him. (I can remember, many books ago, when she was a driven young detective trying to prove herself in the LAPD. HER series is well worth reading, too.)
Back to The Hollow. It made me bite my nails as I read. It made me furious. It made me cry. It made me cross my fingers that Harry would live long enough to accomplish all that he was bound and determined to do.
The Hollow can be read as a standalone, although I highly recommend reading the entire Harry Bosch series!
HUGE thanks to #LittleBrown, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Hollow has an expected publication date of November 27, 2026.
End note: Some of the elements of this book are based on real incidents and real people. MacLaren Hall was a real place, and a true house of horrors, open from 1961 until it was closed in 2003. It has been torn down and transformed into a new 5.6-acre community park named the Hilda L. Solis Community Park.
#MichaelConnelly #Crime #Suspense #ChildAbuse
Harry Bosch is back! In The Hollow retired LAPD detective Bosch is offered a portion of a massive class-action settlement dating back to the years he spent in the horrific MacLaren Children's Center. Instead, he turns it down and opts to reopen the decades-old murder case of his childhood friend who was killed there and the murder covered up. The death of his friend Chops is something Harry has NEVER been able to forget.
He tracks the bully, who is now a dangerous criminal, determined to finally find justice for Chops and peace for himself. I loved that Harry had his daughter, as well as Renee Ballard helping him. (I can remember, many books ago, when she was a driven young detective trying to prove herself in the LAPD. HER series is well worth reading, too.)
Back to The Hollow. It made me bite my nails as I read. It made me furious. It made me cry. It made me cross my fingers that Harry would live long enough to accomplish all that he was bound and determined to do.
The Hollow can be read as a standalone, although I highly recommend reading the entire Harry Bosch series!
HUGE thanks to #LittleBrown, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Hollow has an expected publication date of November 27, 2026.
End note: Some of the elements of this book are based on real incidents and real people. MacLaren Hall was a real place, and a true house of horrors, open from 1961 until it was closed in 2003. It has been torn down and transformed into a new 5.6-acre community park named the Hilda L. Solis Community Park.
#MichaelConnelly #Crime #Suspense #ChildAbuse
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